Where to see the Budweiser Clydesdales in Fort Myers, Alva and LaBelle

Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

The Budweiser Clydesdales are trotting back into Southwest Florida for four days of tour stops in Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Alva and LaBelle.

The massive horses visit Southwest Florida every year. They’ve been the beloved symbol for beer company Anheuser-Busch since 1933.

This year is even more special than usual, though: It’s the 90th anniversary for the Budweiser Clydesdales. The popular horses will celebrate that milestone all year long with appearances throughout the United States.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 90th anniversary of this cherished icon as we enter a new chapter in our company’s storied heritage,” said Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth in a news release announcing the 90th anniversary. “As a longtime Budweiser fan, I’m excited for the opportunity to commemorate the Clydesdales, their caretakers and the inspiration they bring in a new way.

“The Clydesdales represent the best of the American spirit, and we are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our teams and consumers both in their hometowns and on national stages.”

Budweiser Clydesdales: Learn all about the famous horses from their history to why they ride with dalmations

Edison Fest 2023: Parades, food truck wars, car shows and more things to do

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales were at Shell Factory Nature Park in North Fort Myers Thursday, March 7, 2019. Hundreds turned out to see the horse parade around and even took a selfie with them.
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales were at Shell Factory Nature Park in North Fort Myers Thursday, March 7, 2019. Hundreds turned out to see the horse parade around and even took a selfie with them.

All Southwest Florida appearances are free. Each stop features eight horses (a full hitch) and the famous Red Beer Wagon, unless otherwise noted.

Budweiser Clydesdales tour stops in Fort Myers, Alva, LaBelle

Here’s where you can see the Clydesdales in Southwest Florida:

  • The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22:

  • Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., south Fort Myers. 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23

  • 31 Produce/Cracker Shack Café, 18672 State Road 31, Alva. 3-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Two horses only.

  • And the Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade, 8 Park Ave, LaBelle. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.

No tour stops are planned in the Naples area this year, says Madeline Lukomski, marketing manager for local Anheuser-Busch distributor Suncoast Beverage Sales.

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales were at Shell Factory Nature Park in North Fort Myers Thursday, March 7, 2019. Hundreds turned out to see the horse parade around and even took a selfie with them. They are an 8 horse full hitch team out of St. Louis. The horses are usually male horse and are around 5 years of age. The dog's name is Bud. The Budweiser team is back in Southwest Florida for two weekends’ worth of tour stops in Fort Myers, North Fort Myers and Naples. The massive horses will appear in two parades and make more stops at The Shell Factory & Nature Park, Century Link Sports Complex, the Collier County Fair and Bell Tower Shops.

Learn more about the Budweiser Clydesdales

Here are some fun facts about the beloved "gentle giants":

  • Each Clydesdale stands about 6 feet tall and weighs about 2,000 pounds.

  • The horses are bay-colored with four white legs, a blaze of white on the face, and a black mane and tail.

  • Every hitch travels with a Dalmatian dog — a throwback to the early days of beer brewing, when Dalmatians were bred and trained to guard the wagon and horses while on beer deliveries.

  • A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.

Learn more about the Budweiser Clydesdales at facebook.com/BudweiserClydesdale.

Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. Email him at crunnells@gannett.com or connect on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instagram (@crunnells1). You can also call at 239-335-0368.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Budweiser Clydesdales tour visits Fort Myers, Alva and LaBelle